The Deluge · Chapter
XXXV explained
Prince Yanush Radzivill receives a letter from Sapyeha urging him to abandon the Swedish alliance and instead raise the general militia against the Swedes.
What happens
Prince Yanush Radzivill receives a letter from Sapyeha urging him to abandon the Swedish alliance and instead raise the general militia against the Swedes. Yanush and Boguslav discuss the letter, with Yanush initially considering Sapyeha's advice but ultimately deciding to march against Sapyeha. Boguslav later publicly denounces Kmita, claiming he plotted to kidnap or kill the exiled King Yan Kazimir, a charge Olenka Billevich vehemently denies.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Boguslav's public accusation against Kmita is a calculated move to discredit him and protect the Radzivills' position.
- Honor and Betrayal
Sapyeha's letter appeals to Yanush's honor to abandon the Swedes; Yanush's decision to march against Sapyeha is an act of betrayal against the Commonwealth.
- National Identity and Resistance
Sapyeha's call to raise the general militia and strike the Swedes reflects the struggle for national resistance against foreign occupation.
Characters to notice
- Yanush Radzivill
Receives Sapyeha's letter urging him to abandon the Swedes; considers the advice but decides to march against Sapyeha instead.
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Discusses Sapyeha's letter with Yanush; later publicly accuses Kmita of plotting against King Yan Kazimir.
- Olenka Billevich
Prays alone after Kmita's departure; later vehemently denies Boguslav's accusation against Kmita.
- Tomash Billevich
Defies Boguslav's threats, choosing imprisonment in Taurogi over Kyedani; later drinks with Boguslav.
- Andrei Kmita
Accused by Boguslav of plotting to kidnap or kill King Yan Kazimir; Olenka defends him.
- Kryshtofek Sapyeha
Sends a letter to Yanush Radzivill urging him to abandon the Swedes and fight them instead.
- Yan Kazimir
Mentioned as the exiled king; Boguslav claims Kmita plotted against his life.
Key passages
“Instead of beginning a civil war, summon the general militia, raise the peasants, and strike the Swedes while Pontus, feeling secure, suspects nothing and is exercising no vigilance.”
Sapyeha advises Yanush to avoid civil war and instead mobilize the militia and peasants to attack the unsuspecting Swedes.
Sapyeha's strategic advice to Yanush Radzivill.
“I was telling the hetman that I choose imprisonment in Taurogi rather than in Kyedani.”
Tomash Billevich defiantly tells Yanush he prefers to be imprisoned in Taurogi than remain in Kyedani.
Tomash's defiance against Yanush's threats.
“His name is Kmita.”
Boguslav accuses Kmita of plotting against King Yan Kazimir.
Boguslav's false accusation against Kmita.
